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Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro Tickets & Smart Card

How to buy tickets, recharge smart cards, and use QR/WhatsApp booking

Types of Delhi Metro tickets

T

Token (Single Journey)

A plastic coin-like token for one trip. Buy at the counter or ATVM, tap to enter, drop in the slot to exit. No discount. Best for occasional riders.

Cost: ₹10–₹60 based on distance
SC

Smart Card

Rechargeable contactless card with 10% discount on every trip. Tap to enter and exit. No queuing. The best option for regular commuters.

Cost: ₹150 (₹50 deposit + ₹100 balance) · 10% off all fares
QR

QR Ticket (App/WhatsApp)

Buy a ticket on your phone via the DMRC app or WhatsApp. Get a QR code, scan at AFC gates. No physical token needed. Pay via UPI.

Cost: Same as token fare · No discount
TC

Tourist Card

Unlimited travel for 1 day (₹200) or 3 days (₹500). Ideal for tourists exploring Delhi. Available at airport and major station counters.

1-day: ₹200 · 3-day: ₹500 · ₹50 refundable deposit

How to book Delhi Metro ticket on WhatsApp

DMRC now allows you to buy metro tickets directly on WhatsApp — no app download needed. Here's how:

  1. Save the DMRC WhatsApp number: +91-9650855800
  2. Send "Hi" to start the conversation
  3. Select your source station from the list
  4. Select your destination station
  5. Choose number of passengers (1–6)
  6. Pay via UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
  7. Receive a QR code ticket in the chat
  8. Scan the QR at the AFC gate to enter and exit

The QR ticket is valid for the day of purchase only. You can buy tickets for up to 6 people in one transaction.

How to book Delhi Metro ticket online (DMRC App)

The official DMRC app lets you buy QR-code tickets on your phone. Available on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store).

Step-by-step booking

  1. Download "Delhi Metro Rail" app from Play Store or App Store
  2. Register with your mobile number and verify OTP
  3. Tap "Buy QR Ticket" on the home screen
  4. Select your source and destination stations
  5. Choose the number of tickets (1–6 passengers)
  6. Pay via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking
  7. QR ticket appears in "My Tickets" section
  8. At the station, open the ticket and scan at AFC QR reader

Important notes

  • QR ticket is valid only on the date of purchase
  • You must complete your journey within 90 minutes of entry
  • Ticket can be booked up to 30 minutes before station closing time
  • Refund available if cancelled before use (₹5 cancellation fee)
  • Same fare as token — no discount (smart card still cheaper)

Delhi Metro Smart Card — complete guide

The Delhi Metro Smart Card is the most economical way to travel on the metro. It's a rechargeable contactless card that you tap at entry and exit gates. The fare is automatically deducted with a 10% discount compared to token prices.

How to buy a Smart Card

  • Available at any metro station counter
  • Cost: ₹150 (₹50 security deposit + ₹100 usable balance)
  • Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license)
  • Card is activated immediately — start using right away

How to recharge

  • Station counter — cash or card, any station
  • ATVM machines — touch the card, select amount, pay
  • Paytm / PhonePe — recharge online (NFC-enabled phone needed to update card)
  • Minimum recharge: ₹100 · Maximum balance: ₹3,000

Smart Card benefits

  • 10% discount on every journey
  • No queuing at token counters
  • Works on Delhi Metro, Airport Express, and Rapid Metro Gurugram
  • Can be used for parking charges at metro stations
  • Valid for 10 years from date of issue

Delhi Metro fare chart (2024)

Distance Token fare Smart Card
Up to 2 km₹10₹9
2–5 km₹20₹18
5–12 km₹30₹27
12–21 km₹40₹36
21–32 km₹50₹45
Above 32 km₹60₹54

Airport Express: flat ₹60 from New Delhi to Airport. Tourist Card holders travel unlimited.

Frequently asked questions

How to buy a Delhi Metro ticket?
Go to any metro station. At the counter, tell the staff your destination — they'll issue a token. Alternatively, use an ATVM (Automatic Token Vending Machine): select destination, insert coins/notes or tap your card, and collect the token. For digital tickets, use the DMRC app or WhatsApp.
How to book metro ticket on WhatsApp?
Send "Hi" to +91-9650855800 on WhatsApp. Follow the prompts to select source/destination, number of passengers, and pay via UPI. You'll receive a QR code ticket to scan at AFC gates.
What is the Delhi Metro Smart Card price?
A new Delhi Metro Smart Card costs ₹150, which includes a ₹50 refundable security deposit and ₹100 usable balance. You can recharge it from ₹100 up to a maximum of ₹3,000.
Can I use UPI/Google Pay at metro stations?
Yes! You can pay via UPI at ATVM machines for token purchase, through the DMRC WhatsApp bot, and via the DMRC mobile app. Some stations also accept UPI for smart card recharge at the counter.
Is there a monthly pass for Delhi Metro?
Currently, Delhi Metro does not offer a traditional monthly pass. The Smart Card with its 10% discount is the closest equivalent for regular commuters. Tourist Cards (1-day ₹200, 3-day ₹500) offer unlimited travel for short periods.
How to book Delhi Metro ticket online?
Download the official DMRC app (available on Android and iOS). Register with your mobile number, tap "Buy QR Ticket", select source and destination stations, pay via UPI/card/net banking, and receive a QR code. Alternatively, send "Hi" to +91-9650855800 on WhatsApp and follow the prompts to buy a ticket without downloading any app.
What time does Delhi Metro open and close?
Delhi Metro runs daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. First trains depart from terminal stations (like Huda City Centre, Samaypur Badli, Dwarka Sector 21) at 6:00 AM. Last trains leave around 11:00 PM. On Republic Day, Independence Day, and Diwali, timings are sometimes extended till midnight. Sunday timings are the same as weekdays.
Can I get a refund on Delhi Metro QR ticket?
Yes, unused QR tickets (bought via app or WhatsApp) can be cancelled for a refund. A ₹5 cancellation fee is deducted and the remaining amount is refunded to your payment source within 5–7 business days. Tickets cannot be refunded after entry scan.